Barako Bull on an Energized Start for PBA 2012-13 Commissioner's Cup

Image: PBA on AKTV Official Facebook Fan Page

The PBA 2012-13 Commissioner's Cup has kicked off last Friday, February 8, 2013, and in a span of three game days, fans were treated to a lot of surprises. The commissioner recently indicated that the new multi-player trades that transpired before the onset of the new conference signaled a more competitive league with most teams now having an equal fighting chance at the crown.

Barako Bull Energy Cola is one of those teams that had surprised fans, to the delight of the loyal Barako Brigade. Even before the conference started, the new acquisitions and a new head coaching staff had provided Seigle with a positive outlook about his team. The PBA veteran believes that the team is a serious contender at the Commissioner's Cup. According to the 9-time All Star, "We have a very good system now. It's very active and I always get good looks (at the basket)."

Seigle also notes that the addition of coach Rajko Toroman as part of the team's coaching staff gave a major boost to the team. "It's great that we have him now in the team. We got to learn a lot of things, new ideas and better approach," says Seigle.

If it were any proof of that, Barako Bull currently leads the league in standings with a 2-0 start to the Commisssioner's Cup. As of February 12, 2013, they are at the top of the pack. Meanwhile, Alaska, Air21 and Meralco are tied for number two with a 1-0 standing. GlobalPort Batang Pier is third at 1-1 after Barako Bull defeated them 98-88 at overtime last Sunday, February 10, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Mark Macapagal hit the crucial three point shot from the corner that sent the game into overtime, wherein GlobalPort scored only 2 points to Barako Bull's 12.

For a complete list of the game results since the opening day, check them below:

February 8, Friday

Global Port def. Petron Blaze - 94-92
Barako Bull def. San Mig Coffee Mixers - 79-75

February 9, Saturday

Alaska Aces def. Rain or Shine - 83-81
Meralco Bolts def. Talk N Text - 99-92

February 10, Sunday

Barako Bull def. GlobalPort - 98-88 (OT)
Air21 def. Brgy. Ginebra - 74-70

To see the rest of the schedule for February, you can check it here.

The Deal on the Cortez-Taha Trade

Image: Interaksyon TV

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings suffered a devastating 5-game losing skid before they had bounced back with a couple of wins in a row. During those 5 games that they had lost, it opened up one key area that they are lacking in - the frontline. With many of its big players getting sidelined due to injury, it was clear that the Gin Kings needed to acquire new players to boost their frontline or trade up one of their guards so they can make that acquisition.

Last Friday, the deal involving the Ginebra Gin Kings was approved by the PBA Board, which involves point guard Mike Cortez. With LA Tenorio's addition into the Ginebra lineup, Cortez got very few minutes of playing time. Head coach Siot Tanquincen is therefore taking the gamble to give up his talented and veteran point guard in exchange for a young big man, which many are considering as the team's project center - Yousef Taha. This is a step in the right direction for the Ginebra team, which was seen struggling during the early goings of the PBA Philippine Cup.

In an interview with head coact Siot Tanquincen following the confirmation of the trade deal, he had but nice words to say about the veteran point guard. "I have high respect for Mike," says coach Siot. "He's a talented player, but just like what he said in the interviews, he needs to play."

Cortez showed great game during his debut with the Air 21 Express, wherein he scored 24 points, grabbed six rebounds, and made six assists during 24 minutes of game time. Oddly enough, the rookie Taha that Ginebra acquired in exchange for Cortez did not step onto the court during their game versus Global Port, wherein the Gin Kings were victorious. But the crowd favorite got some help from Jay Jay Helterbrand who stepped up following Mike's absence in the bench.

Coach Siot applauded Helterbrand for his efforts during that night, noting "Jayjay [performed] better and he showed that [in the game versus GlobalPort".